The federal government is defending its call for increased oil production, even as they call for the industry to reduce emissions.

Last week, government said it is looking at boosting oil production in the country by 300,000 barrels a day to lessen Europe’s reliance on Russian oil. However, in the feds’ new 2030 Emission Reduction Plan, they say the industry will cut emissions by over 40 percent.

Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says they need to strike the right balance in order for both pathways to exist.

He says Canada must account for the production emissions, which is why they’re reducing the methane emissions by 75 percent in the oil and gas sector. He says we have to be able to “walk and chew gum at the same time.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada can supply the solution to the energy crunch being faced in Europe due to the war in Ukraine.

Proponents of Bay du Nord believe that could bode well for the future of the project.

The PM addressed questions surrounding the development of oil and gas in light of a plan to reduce emissions and achieve net zero by 2050 with reporters in Vancouver yesterday.